Crash victim recalled as hardworking but shy

SAN ANGELO, Texas - Jerry Lee Martinez, a Carlsbad man who died in a two-vehicle crash Sunday, is remembered by family as a quiet but caring person.

The 26-year-old, an overnight stocker at the Wal-Mart on Sherwood Way, was on his way to work when the crash occurred, said his mother, Azeneth Martinez.

"He was a good boy, very family oriented and hardworking," she said. "He strived to do the best he could every day."

His father, Jerry Martinez, said although his son came off as shy, many of his coworkers and friends have shared stories about how his life touched them.

"I can't believe how many people were touched by him," Jerry Martinez said. "His coworkers just loved him."

Jerry Lee Martinez was southbound in his Buick LeSabre on Farm-to-Market 2288 when he lost control, going around a curve and driving off the right side of the roadway. His car collided with a northbound Toyota Yaris, according to a Texas Department of Public Safety news release.

Martinez was pronounced dead on the scene at 11:10 p.m. by Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Eddie Howard.

The driver of the Toyota, Corinne Lee Gutierrez, 34, was taken to Community Medical Center where she was listed in stable condition Monday afternoon.

In addition to his work ethic, many remembered Jerry Lee Martinez for his excellence in mathematics and proficiency with computers.

He frequently helped his family work through computer problems, Azeneth Martinez said, and helped her program the computer she bought a few years ago.

"He was just a good-hearted person, always there to lend a hand," said Crystle Martinez, 37-year-old cousin to Jerry Lee Martinez. "He excelled in academics. At 12 years old he helped me with college math. That's no exaggeration."

Jerry Lee Martinez graduated with honors from Central High School in 2005 and received awards and recognition for academic excellence, particularly in math.

His father said professors who taught him during his brief time at Angelo State University also loved him as a student.

"He grew on you," Jerry Martinez said. "It's terrible that he's gone, but he's in a better place right now."

A viewing for Jerry Lee Martinez will be at 9:30 a.m. today at Gutierrez Funeral Chapels. The service will be at noon.

The support from friends and others who knew his son has been overwhelming, said Jerry Martinez.

"He would always go out of his way to help anybody. If somebody called him, he'd be there," Martinez said. "He always put himself last."